JIM MARTINEZ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Jim Martinez Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2007, is held in trust by the CMEA-The California Association for Music Education. The scholarship was created in memory of Jim Martinez, a longtime dedicated music educator and Executive Treasurer of CMEA Bay Section. The scholarship fund will be used to assist quafied students of CMEA members with financial needs to cover tuition costs at Cazadero Performing Arts Camp and Hayward-LaHonda Music Camp on alternating years. The scholarship fund is currently administered by Norman Dea, CMEA Vice President and Director of Bands at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek. Supporters of this fund include many individuals, music educators, schools, CMEA-The California Association for Music Education, and other entities. This first year, the following student musician was the proud recipient of a full scholarship.
 

HAYWARD-LAHONDA MUSIC CAMP

Congratulations to Kyle!

Tax deductable contributions to this scholarship fund may be made by individuals, organizations, and businesses by mailing their donations to:
 

The Jim Martinez Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o CMEA-The California Association for Music Education
P.O. Box 2380
Portola, California 96122
 

A FOND FAREWELL TO A BAY SECTION FRIEND

by Norman Dea, Vice President, CMEA-The California Association for Music Education

James P. Martinez passed away on September 12, 2006. He was still a young man at heart when he left us (he was only 59 years old). A private family service was held on Saturday September 23, 2006. On Sunday November 5th, a Celebration of Jim's Life was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Burlingame. The capacity gathering (dressed in Aloha shirts, Jim's favorite) was treated to wonderful music performed by "The Magic Flutes" Flute Choir, the Bay Bones, and the Salsa Band Orquesta Borinquen. There were also heartfelt remembrances by Bay Section Past President Steve Anthenien, CMEA State President Cheryl Yee Glass, Jack Martens (Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia), Jay Spaulding (Principal at T.R. Pollicita Middle School), and Matteo Rizzo (Assistant Superintendent for the Jefferson Elementary School District). It was a joyful and happy celebration with food and refreshments.
 

Jim Martinez was born in Watsonville, California in 1947. As a youth he was an active musician at Bishop Elementary School in Sunnyvale, and at Atascadero High School in Atascadero. He became a very fine trombonist and participated in two CBDA California All-State honor bands during his high school years. After graduating from high school, he attended San Francisco State University. He wanted to be an architect, but decides to follow his dream and major in music. While at San Francisco State, he was mentored by Dr. Edwin Kruth, Dr. Roger Nixon, and Wilbur Sudmeier. During his college years, he also served his country in the military, and was a musician for the United States Army Band at the Presidio in San Francisco and in Fulda, Germany. He continued to play the trombone professionally even after his retirement.
 

As a music educator, Jim taught in the West Contra Costa Unified School District at Juan Crespi Middle School and Kennedy High School; and most recently at T.R. Pollicita Middle School in Daly City. He has also been on the faculty at City College of San Francisco, following famed trumpeter Joseph Alessi Sr. as the band director of the evening Community Concert Band.
 

Personally, I had the unique privilege of knowing and working with Jim for the past 24 years. As I gradually found out over time, Jim had a lot of different lives and wore many of different hats. He had a life as a dedicated music teacher in our schools. He had a life as a professional trombonist in various musical groups. He had a life promoting music education through CMEA Bay Section. But most importantly, he had a life as a loving husband to his lovely and talented wife Kem.
 

I basically knew him though CMEA. He was deeply involved with service to our profession. He has served as the Area VI Representative, Conference Band Manager, Festival Adjudicator, Band Representative, and finally as the Executive Treasurer for CMEA Bay Section. Jim Martinez has served Bay Section with distinction, integrity, loyalty, and with a steadfast work ethic. No job was too big or too small for him, and he gladly and generously gave of his personal time to the organization and profession. I know that I have benefitted personally and professionally from knowing and working with Jim these past 24 years. Before he retired he received a very special Bay Section President's Award from John Burn, and most recently he and his wife Kem received the CMEA State President's Award from Dr. Rob Klevan, both awards honoring "Extraordinary Accomplishments in Music Education".
 

Jim retired after this past school year to spend time with the things and people he loved; music, travel, family, photography, golf, and swimming with the turtles in Maui. But mostly, he wanted to spend quality time with Kem, his wife of 38 years. He was taken from us before his time. We'll miss you Jim. Thank you for all the lives you touched, and rest easy.

Jim Martinez Memorial Scholarship Fund

A music camp scholarship fund has been established in Jim's memory. The scholarship fund will be used to assist students with financial needs to cover tuition costs at Cazadero Performing Arts Camp and Hayward La Honda Music Camp on alternating years.